Key offseason dates for free agency & draft lottery Reds fans need to know right now

Once the 2025 MLB Postseason comes to a close, the offseason will officially be underway. Though the Cincinnati Reds returned to the playoffs this year after a five-year hiatus, they fell well short of their goal. The hope is that Nick Krall and the Reds front office will use the upcoming offseason to make the necessary upgrades and turn the roster from a playoff hopeful into World Series contender.

There are some key dates that Reds fans should know heading into the winter, not the least of which is when free agency begins. The Reds preferred to go the trade route last year in order to bolster the roster, but fans are hoping to see the ownership group spend some money this coming offseason.

Reds offseason: Key offseason dates for free agency, draft lottery & more

Five Days After World Series Ends: MLB free agency begins

The World Series is fast approaching, and the final out of the Fall Classic signals the start of the MLB offseason. Game 1 of the 2025 World Series is set to begin on Friday, October 24 with Game 7 (if necessary) coming on November 1.

MLB free agency begins five days after the World Series comes to a close. The Reds have a handful of players set to hit the open market this offseason, including Emilio Pagán, Nick Martinez, and Miguel Andujar.

Nov. 10-13: GM Meetings

The General Manager Meetings typically can sometimes lay the groundwork for offseason trades. It's quite possible that the conversations that sparked the Reds' offseason trade for Kansas City Royals pitcher Brady Singer began at last year's GM Meetings.

Nov. 18: Rule 5 Draft protection deadline

The Reds have a few players who'll need to be added to the 40-man roster before November 18 in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft this December. Among the names to keep an eye on will be right-handers Jose Franco and Jose Acuńa, shortstop Edwin Arroyo, and outfielder Héctor Rodriguez.

Nov. 21: Non-tender deadline

If you're a Reds fan, this year's non-tender deadline should be pretty underwhelming. Ian Gibaut will likely lose his spot on the Reds 40-man roster, and it's possible that Sam Moll and Santiago Espinal could be non-tendered as well. Some curious names to keep a watchful eye on will be Gavin Lux and Will Benson.

Dec. 8-11: MLB Winter Meetings

The MLB Winter Meetings is when some of the biggest offseason moves take place. Two years ago, it was shortly after the Winter Meetings concluded that Cincinnati inked Jeimer Candelario to a three-year deal. That's a signing Cincinnati fans would like to forget, but if there's a big move the Reds plan to make this winter, it could take place in Orlando during second week of December.

Dec. 9: MLB Draft lottery

Thanks to the MLB Draft lottery, the Reds landed the No. 2 overall pick back in 2024 and selected Chase Burns out of Wake Forest University. After making a trip to the MLB playoffs in 2025, however, Cincinnati is already slotted to have the No. 19 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Sorry Reds fans, there's no need to call on Devin Mesoraco this year.

Dec. 10: MLB Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 Draft is designed to keep organizations from hoarding young talent. Teams only have so many spots on the 40-man roster, and if left unprotected, opposing GMs can pluck players from another team's farm system so long as they remain on the active roster throughout the upcoming season. The Reds haven't had much success in this arena over the past few years.

Jan. 16-17: RedsFest returns

RedsFest typically takes place during the first week of December, but it's been rescheduled this year after being postponed in 2024. Reds fans will be eager to get back to the convention center for the annual event that allows the Cincinnati faithful to meet and interact with some of their favorite players.